Sorry for the delay. You may begin dueling whenever you like. ^_^

Drayco trotted up on his steed. There was no one else around and the streets were bare. He was no fool and had already readied his broadsword. He had a good view of the area around him from the horses back. His oppenent was nowhere to be seen and part of that sent a wave of fear through the knight. He didn't expect the fight to be easy, nor did he expect it to be hard. It was a friendly challange and he was happy to have it. But even that couldn't squash the rising fear inside him.

"I'm here for you Elither." Drayco called out. It was now time to wait for his oppenent to show himself.

((OOC: Sorry for the Delay, Drayco and Derhlith, been having internet problems. If I disappear again, I'll post whenever I get back, so don't think I've given up or abandoned the site. ^_^))
IC:
Elither's ear's picked up the sound of trotting hooves. He smirked lightly to himself. The sound had come from the length of the street that he was on. There was no one to be found, not any within eye-sight, anyways. The fog made it to where no one would be able to see fifteen feet in front of them, which could be an advantage to Elither, and also a downfall, if his opponent would get off his steed. He heard his opponent call out for him. Unsheathing his FlashBlade, Elither stepped off into the fog, to find his opponent. His footsteps could barely be heard, but it would tell his opponent that Elither was coming. Elither took a few of the surroundings into his knowledge. There were empty stands, where people earlier that day had been selling their things. Some of the stands had crates that could hide him from Drayco, if it came to that. His slinder hand gave the FlashBlade's hilt a very firm grip, as the fingers inside the glove became whiter than before, if possible. His red eyes gleamed through the remaining fog that was between Elither, and his opponent. Smirking even more, Elither's eyes could finally see Drayco, atop the steed. The steed's brown eyes met his, before it grunted lightly. Elither pulled the hood belonging to his cloak, to look at Drayco for a moment.

"Well, well. You're Drayco, are you? ... Hmmm. This could be entertaining. Let the best man win." Elither pulled the hood back onto his head, causing the pale skin, and white hair to disappear. All that was left to be seen was the black outline of his body, and the gleaming red eyes.

Drayco kept his eyes fixed on his opponent. His horse was steady as was his hand. Now was the time for attack. Options were open to him but none of them seemed fitting. The knight had wanted a duel for some time, and this was his time to shine. He kept his eyes fixed on Elither and his mind focused. He would work with Jotay in this fight, and he could only be as strong as the steed. Drayco tightened his hand on the reins of the horse. "Have at ye!" he yelled with suddenness.

His horse was charging forward and Drayco had his blade held back, ready for a heavy sweep. The charge was fast, faster then most men and elves could dodge. The hooves crunched rythmically against the ground. Thump, thump, thump, thump. Drayco closed his eyes for a moment and let the cloak flow behind him. It would be another second before he came within range for his manuever. Speed was a factor in the deeply rehersed move, but it was no more then timing. Time seemed to slow for horse and rider, as their thoughts, though seperate, became one and known to the other. "Left!" Drayco howled.

Instead the horse speed forward. Passed the figure of Elither and onward and onward. As they rushed passed the mounted knight lowered and leveled his blade, aiming it straight for Elithers arm, a grazing blow more then a disabling strike.

Elither felt a gentle breeze, as he and his opponent stared at one another. Knowing that this match wouldn't be the easiest, including the speed of the horse, Elither smirked. He would know how to get around most of the attacks already, unless the horse and rider had something up their sleeve. Elither moved his blade up from his side, to across his chest, defensively. He moved his legs out from eachother, positioning himself for the fight. Drayco grabbed ahold of the reins on his horse and yelled "Have at ye!"

The horse started to charge, and Elither moved out of the way, to the left. Then Drayco had swung his blade low at Elither's arm. Elither moved his blade in the way to Parry Drayco's blade. But doing so had caused Elither to faulter backwards from the force of the attack, from the speed of the horse. Elither managed to keep his feeting, though a few feet away. While the horse was moving away, Elither shoved the FlashBlade back into the hilt, and grabbed his Bow. Pulling an arrow from the quiver on his back, Elither knotched it upon the bow. The Horse was almost out of sight, into the fog... Tightening the arrow on the bow, Elither took aim at the horse's hind right leg, Letting go of the string, the arrow soared toward the horses leg. If this would work, it may unhorse Drayco..

Drayco's hearing was not matched to that of an elf, but even he could hear the sharp twang of a bowstring. The knight's mind raced, but the horse's was faster. Jotay leapt, getting high and tucking his feet in. The leap was long and carried the knight towards Elither. "Good Steed!" Drayco whispered to the horse. He knew the leap wasn't without toll. Even he could sense the horse falter a bit as it landed. The arrow grazed the horse, but it was a neither deep, nor major wound. "Nice shot Tamer." Drayco snarled as he wheeled his horse about after the leap. "But you miss something dear elf..." Drayco had shifted in the saddle of the horse, leaning to the left, his right arm stretched high. "I'm a skill rider and Raider!"

He began his charge anew. The bow the elf had would do little to defend against his blade, but again that wasn't the knight’s target. The horse carried him on swift feet towards the Beast Tamer, taking him in close. The steed wheeled to the right and the mounted knight stabbed. His blade was sent downward towards the elf because of his position in the saddle, but if the blow connected it would hit Elither flat sided and knock him around. But he had to keep his pace up, this time he wouldn't travel as far into the fog as last time.

After he watched the arrow gently scrape the leaping horse, Elither put the bow back beside his leg, where he kept it. He unsheathed his FlashBlade once more, and watched as his opponent came around, the horse looking more ferocious than ever, leaving a trail of blood where he goes. As the blood gently dripped to the ground, Elither quickly thought as the charging rider and steed came. He held his blade up to parry once again, but miss-calculated the height of his opponent’s blade. The broadsword had slammed into his side, and threw him away.

Box's and crates fell over and splintered as Elither slammed into them from the impact of the attack. He landed on the bottom crate, and laid on it for a moment, before pulling the hood off of his head. He used his left hand to pull out a large splinter that had pierced his cheek upon the landing. Slowly making it back to his feet, Elither rubbed his side for a moment, a large bruise already appearing. Elither was sure that he might have a cracked rib or two from the blow. Trying to put the pain aside, Elither wiped off his forehead for a moment, before running out from under the stand. Turning around quickly before the steed and rider could make it back to him, Elither leaped up onto the stand's flimsy roof. Using his agility, he gently kept his stance atop of the stand, looking at his foe coming back toward him.

Drayco had seen where the elf had landed. Atop a stand, which was supported by two main wooden posted. The mounted knight crouched into his horse’s body, keeping close. The shield across his back, with its size made a protective covering for both man and horse. "Like a turtle!" Drayco chuckled. Jotay was moving again, shifting back and forth to keep the archer from getting a good bead. Drayco had leveled his sword out to the right as he charged passed the stand. The knight was smart enough to know his blade wouldn't slice through more then one of the wooden posts, and he knew what one to aim for.

The horse moved just enough that the sword missed the first post, and back far enough that the blade crushed into the second post. It splintered as the knight rode passed, and back into the fog. He was already getting ready for the next move he'd make.

Elither watched as the knight covered himself, and the horse with the shield. "Like a turtle!" The knight chuckled out, as he passed by. Elither smirked, watching the knight go by, hacking away at one of the supporting posts for the canopy of the stand he was on. Elither moved away from the support beam, to an opening between two of the stands. Moving his feet out into the opening, Elither slipped down back into the stands, his FlashBlade in hand. He looked around for a moment, before looking at the last post that was left. Walking over to it, he raised his FlashBlade, and started to hack away at the post, cutting it down. The post finally gave after the eleventh chop, and fell, bringing the canopy, and other post with it. The posts and canopy fell into the road, traveling from one side to the other, causing a decent roadblock. The horse would have to use all of its power to leap over the width of it, which may tire it down.

Elither backed away, and into the stands, where he used a few crates as a shelter from any attack.

Drayco saw the canopy come down. It was a roadblock, and Drayco knew there was no time for him to jump it. He couldn't use the horse to jump the item. His only real idea was to dismount and send the horse away. Drayco shifted and dismounted, broadsword still in hand. The horse stood his ground, still and unmovable. Drayco admired the horse, he was brave and loyal, which was something you didn't see often in an animal like Jotay. Drayco pulled the shield in front of him, covering his front. He had lost sight of the elf, but he knew he was well past him.

"Come out come out..." Drayco chortled it was the elf’s turn for attack, and Drayco knew his strength was a match for his opponent.

Elither kneeled down, gasping for breath. The blow from the broadsword to his ribs had caused him to lose quite a lot of air, causing him to be slightly worn down. He could get by this, however. His elven ears heard the horse trotting slow down to a halt. So… He wouldn’t risk it… He wouldn’t risk his horse being damaged, heh. Then it is fine by me. Elither thought for a moment, hearing Drayco dismount his steed. Elither crawled on hands and knee’s, covered by the crates. He would lurk in the fog for a while, thinking. The fog soon developed his body, as he heard the calls from his opponent. “Come out, come out” Drayco said tauntingly, while Elither shook his head slightly. He couldn’t get a very good visual of his opponent in the fog, but he could see the hazed silhouette from the lamps on the buildings on each side of the road. Elither stood up, and silently patted his knees off. Slowly sliding the FlashBlade back inside its sheath, he pulled the bow back from its place, and held it. Pulling an arrow from his quiver, Elither notched it onto the bow, grinning. His muscles tightened up as he pulled the string tight, aiming the arrow for the large silhouette of Drayco, and his steed. Bright, yet dark aura started to form along the head, and shaft of the arrow as Elither’s eyes brightened for a moment. He would use this charge shot to either hit Drayco, or the steed. His finger’s trembled lightly from the power of the charge shot, as he started to become dizzy. Before the charge shot could wear him down all the way, Elither released the arrow, and let it fly at both the middle of Drayco’s stomach, and the steed behind him. The arrow split some of the fog apart, as it hurled itself toward Drayco and the steed, the dark aura surrounding it.

Drayco was glad his shield was up as he heard the whistle of an arrow being loosed. He tightened his arm behind the shield, bracing for the impact of the arrow. He would have a no more then a moment before the arrow collided with his shield. Then it happened. he could see the blackened arrow flying towards him. A charged arrow that would collide with the hard and fast. He tensed his arm even more as the arrow slammed against the shield. He was braced as best he could, his sword jammed into the ground as an anchor, but even that didn't prevent him from being pushed back a ways. His shield hadn't been destroyed, but it had been weakened. Drayco knew that a few more arrows like that would utterly crush the shield.

He shifted his shield before him and charged forward. His sword was held out to the side. He kept his sword hand concealed behind his body as he charged in. His body kept low, so his shield fully covered his front, save his eyes. He kept them just above the shield. This move among knights was known as the shield rush and could be dangerous because of the mixture of defense and offense. As he neared Elither he swung the blade, a arc that aimed for the bow more then anything else. Drayco knew that the elf would not only have to dodge the blade but also the shield.

Elither watched as the Arrow crushed itself upon Impact, denting and splitting the shield quite a bit. The charge shot was very affective, even if it didn't penetrate anything. Elither smirked, watching the Knight rush forward through the fog. The shield was held out in front of him, but Elither could not see the other hand, that held the Broadsword. Elither pulled two arrows from the quiver this time, and notched them upon his bow. He took a quick aim at the running Drayco, before tightening the string, and letting them fly. If it connected, the arrows would lodge themselves in both of his legs or both feet. But he had no time to see if they would, he had to step backwards, yet to the right at the same time to avoid the blade, and the rushing shield assault. Drayco passed by with the momentum of the rush, the Broadsword grazing his right elbow lightly. Blood trickled gently down his arm as the small cut on his elbow singed for a moment. Elither wiped his forehead off of any sweat, while he gasped for breath, starting to be fatigued.

Drayco yowled in pain and rage as the first arrow impacted his leg. He dropped to the ground as effect to the arrow striking his leg. There was his leg was in pain, but he knew he could take care of it. And even play the situation to his advantage. He used the hand that was on his shield to remove the arrow and let it over there for a moment while he whispered, so quiet not even and elfs ears could catch the sounds. The wound glowed for an instant as Drayco felt the drain on his body. God's prayer has healed the wound for the most part and dealt with the pain. He stayed against the ground, forcing himself to gasp and wheeze in pain. He had worked on that style of tactic for a long time, knowing faking pain and injury can bring an opponent on faster. He dropped his sword on the ground, making sure it clattered loudly. With silent movements he retrieved his Gladius from it's hiding place in his cloak. It was easy to hide behind the shield.

Yes, come an inspect you're prey... Drayco thought coldly. He tightened his hand around the hilt, getting ready for a disabling attack.

Elither finally looked around to see his opponent kneeled down, holding his leg. Drayco had dropped the Broadsword, which clattered quite a few times before going silent and cold against the rough stone ground. Elither narrowed his eyes for a moment, before grabbing yet another arrow from his quiver. He notched it onto his Bow, and aimed the arrow at his opponent's right shoulder. Smirking lightly, he let out a cold, cruel laugh, before letting the arrow free from the bow, flying toward his opponent's shoulder. He backed away into the darkness and fog, hiding his every move. Elither took a few more breaths, before grabbing at his damaged ribs again, wincing lightly. He was strong using that Broadsword.. It damaged my ribs… Damnit. Elither thought, rubbing at the ribs one last time, before ducking down low, awaiting for any signs of his opponent. He put the bow back onto the strap on his waist, and unsheathed the FlashBlade, smirking lightly.

Drayco had suspected an attack would come from arrow before blade. He was smart when he shifted his right shoulder. The arrow that was loosed grazed his arm, but didn't dig in. He knew full well that another God's prayer would drain him worse then he already was. "Damnit!" He yowled in mock pain, letting Elither think he'd scored a heavy hit. He slumped down even more, his body fully hidden behind the shield. He knew he couldn't see over the shield and thus see his opponent, but that was what his broadsword was for. The blade of the broadsword was always brightly polished and glistened as the fog began to condense on it. He could still see reflections in it in the blade. Drayco smirked to himself. He was fully hidden in the shield and the blade was positioned in such a way that the reflection couldn't get him unless the elf was within striking range of his Gladius.

The elf would have little choice but to come in close. He knew there was still the charged arrow, but he also knew that would drain the elf. "I know Elither is smarter then wasting all his energy trying to destroy my shield." He whispered to himself. He made sure the metal shield was positioned in front of him as if held by a weak man. There would be no attack from the knight, just waiting for the elf to come in close. "Arrows won't help you now..." he whispered to himself. He kept his eyes on the blade and waited for Elither.

Elither watched his opponent for a moment, still breathing hard. It'd be hard for him to do anything now since the knight was hidden behind the shield. Elither didn't completely trust this. He may have injured the man's leg, but it wouldn't be this bad. Smirking, Elither decided what to do. He stood up, and pulled out his bow, and yet another two arrows. He aimed one arrow at the shield, and the other at the broadsword, notching them onto the bow. He tightened the string, and let them fly. He planned to knock the weapon from his reach, and knock him off balance possibly with the other arrow to the shield. Quickly he put the bow back onto the strap, and held his Flashblade tightly, dashing toward his opponent, ready for a strike.

The arrow that impacted his shield rocked him slightly. The heavy metal was more then a match for the arrow, but Drayco made sure to fall back a bit more. The broadsword was knocked from his reach with another arrow. He knew it wasn't a heavy loss, because he'd no longer need the reflection. Elither was charging in and the sound was loud enough for Drayco to get an accurate enough read of his opponent’s distance. He tensed his arm on the shield, as the sound got closer. He knew the elf was within a few feet, just enough for the plan to take form.

Drayco burst to his feet, lunging forward and throwing his heavy shield. The metal flew at Elither, for a moment blocking view of him. The only grace was that at this point in time, if he couldn't see the elf, the elf couldn't see him. Drayco gave a few low words and his blade began to glow a soft blue. He felt the drain of charging it, but kept the charge minimal so it wouldn't hamper him more then a little. He stabbed toward the shield and the elf it covered. His Gladius moved quickly through the air, with a slight whistle, which could barely be heard of the footsteps of both men. Drayco knew this blow could be a deciding one and he also knew that the cover of the shield would give the elf little to know time to move. Sword or shield would collide with the elf most likely, and Drayco hoped for blade.

Elither's eyes widened slightly as the large shield came hurtling at him. He smirked, as he saw his opponent's feet following a few feet behind it. Elither re-adjusted himself in mid run, so that his left shoulder was facing the shield. His shoulder and shield collided, which threw him to the ground, wincing heavily. The shield, however, was launched back at Drayco. He was so close behind it that it may be hard for him to move out of the way in time. Elither didn't have time to think, so he rolled to the right, and onto his feet, and ran back into the fog for cover.

Drayco was glad his short was charged and the heavy Gladius was in hand rather then the broadsword. The sword collided with the shield at an angle knocking it aside and to the ground. Drayco smirked. "Good call..." he muttered to himself. He knew the same tactic wouldn't work a second time. He didn't stop his charge. He needed to keep up with the elf, and only his stamina could keep that. He didn't slow much when he bent a bit, retrieving his heavy shield. The added weight of the shield forced him to pump his legs harder to keep up. He kept his shield back, which made air catch and drag him a bit.

Then he brought his arm forward quickly, leaping a bit as the shield came forward. The elf wasn't more then a few feet away as Drayco flew through the air. Momentum from the run and the weight of the shield brought his dive in towards Elither. It was a dangerous manuever, but the knight trusted his skills and strength. He sailed and held his shield at an angle before him, edge pointed at Elither. The metal still offered protection, and he was close enough that he didn't fear an arrow. If he collided with the ground he would just have to roll to get protection back, if he hit elf, he would just have to keep him pinned. But Drayco's hopes came to hitting the ground.

Elither turned around to see if he could still see his opponent. Something he didn't expect was happening though, his opponent was diving at him from in the air. Elither's instincts came into play, as he has had beasts, and other things in the forest try to dive at him from a tree like this before. Elither moved his hands out in front of him, eyeing the shield. As the shield made contact with his hands, he felt the impact, but latched on. He threw himself down, and into a backwards roll, using his opponent's own momentum to throw him to the ground, the shield not protecting him like it would have. If this works, Elither may have gained an advantage against the opponent. Elither shook his hands several times, while they stung from the force of the shield, before rolling forwards and onto his feet, he turned around in hopes to see his opponent doubled over in pain.

Drayco landed with a thunk and skidded a short ways. He kept his shield above him, letting the wait stay against him. He gotten lucky and Elither still hadn't seen his Gladius. His back was in pain, massive amounts of it. But he'd landed exactly how he'd wanted. He could feel the ground against his back. He made a quick clicking sound with tongue. The sound was followed by a neigh and the sound of hooves slamming into the ground. Drayco knew that the horse, under his own power and without the weight of the knight could clear the roadblock and charge into the elf.

Drayco had already regained his feet. He could feel blood on his back. The ground had done more damage then he thought, but he would have to be strong to keep going. He stood face to face with the elf, who's back was to Jotay. The pounding of hooves stopped for an instant as the horse leapt the roadblock. Drayco tensed his arm. He knew his speed with sword and shield was good. If the elf went right, sword would be there to slice him. If he went left, shield would crush into him. Straight would bring him into closer combat. The Gladius was suited for close encounters, and Drayco knew the elf wouldn't be able to get his sword before he could get at least one swing.

The pounding came again as the horse landed. He was coming in fast and low. Drayco knew that the elf didn't have the strength to do to the horse what he'd done to the knight. He also could tell that the elf was hurt. They were both hurt, but Drayco hopped the elf was hurt worse. The trap was set, and it was time to spring it. The horse was close now, and the elf was near pinned.

Elither was being cornered. The horse was coming from behind, possibly to trample him. And in front of him was Drayco, shield and weapon in hand. If he tried to run passed him from either side, he would be hit by shield or sword. Elither smirked though, and dropped down onto his knees, wiping his face. He needed to think, but make sure that his opponent wouldn't attack. I have to do something... I could knock shield or weapon away, but not both, and he would be sure to hit me with whichever I wouldn't hit. Maybe if I can get the horse to move from it's charge… Elither thought, then he sensed other life-forms in the vicinity. He closed his eyes and searched for them. One was behind him, the other in a small alley-way behind Drayco… Snakes. One was a rat snake, searching for rats to eat, the other was a Rattlesnake, behind Drayco. Elither focused first on the rat snake that was behind him. He used one of the skills he's learned along his way, Tame Wood's. His body glowed slightly, as he summoned the snake to his will. The horse's galloping came nearer, and nearer. But the rat snake did as well.

The horse was ten feet away when the snake approached up behind Elither. The snake struck out at the horse's legs, and the horse changed its direction to avoid getting struck. The horse instead charged into Drayco, not being able to stop from the speed it was going. Elither Stood up and laughed, focusing upon the Rattlesnake. The Snake come up behind Drayco, the rattler going off-- A warning for Drayco. The Snake struck out at Drayco's left leg. Drayco would be able to move if he could hear the rattler, but he was pinned between the snake bite, and being trampled by his own horse...

Jotay was a loyal horse, and smart for the same. He stopped dead in his tracks and stood perfectly still. Drayco was smart as well. He knew the man was a beast tamer and he'd seen the rattlesnake that was coming up behind him a moment before. Drayco brought his leg up, out of the snakes biting range and then brought it down. His heel crushed into the slithering creatures skull, smashing it. Elither was still directly before the knight. It was a bad postition for the elf to be in. Drayco would show no mercy. The elf had tried to use his own plan against him, but he'd failed. He'd not counted on the loyalty of the horse or the hearing and eyesight of the man.

Drayco raised his Gladius, the short blade gleaming in the dim light. He swung downwards, the blade moving quick. Drayco made a clicking sound with his tongue at the same time and the horse turned, not running, but just turning. He stood with his backlegs to the elf, and kicked. The angle at which the kick came put Drayco out of harms way, but left the elf very little room for escape. Drayco was certain that one of the attacks would connect.

Now that the horse was not behind him, Elither would be able to move freely backwards. He watched the rattlesnake being stomped on, and the horse turn around. He watched his opponent's blade strike out at him, at the same time the horse sent a mule kick. Elither quickly leapt into the air, and backwards. He was quicker than the blade, but not the hooves. One of the hooves managed to kick into his waist. He could feel the hoof dig into his waist, as he continued to leap backwards. The force of the mule kick had caused him to be thrown off balance in mid-air though, and he was thrown to the ground. He landed on his side and winced heavily, coughing. Something leaked from his mouth when he coughed-- Blood. The horse had caused internal damage with the mule kick. Elither smirked to himself, though still wincing, as he wiped the blood from his lips. He stood up, and brushed himself off, sheathing his FlashBlade. He pulled the bow back out, and two arrows. Notching them up, he aimed the right one at the Horses' ribs, and the other one at Drayco's chest. He pulled the string tight, and let the arrows fly.

Drayco was glad the shield was still with him. He kept it in front of him. He knew the use of a tower shield was to protect raised areas from archers. Even though they were on level ground he still had put the shield to good use. The arrow plowed into the shield, but didn't stick into the metal. The other took his horse. The arrow took the horse in the leg, near the ribs. He knew full well that the arrow was meant to kill, but it hadn't. "Jotay, retreat." The horse neiged and charged off. Drayco was now matched man against elf. His horse was no longer an asset he had with him. But the knight had other skills. He leveled his sword and hunched behind his shield. This charge would be slow and forceful. The blade of the Gladius poked from the edge of the shield.

He began stomping his foot. Getting time and rythme perfectly. He marched, slow and steady. He shield would protect him from frontal assualts, and his blade would be ready when he reached the other man. His only regret was the blow wouldn't be deciding.

Elither smirked heavily under the hood of his cloak, as the arrow bounced off the shield. Though it didn't stick into the shield, it was doing great damage to it. The other arrow had met its target, the horse. When Drayco had told the horse to retreat it neighed, and limped away, wounded by the arrow. Elither stood his ground against the Knight, who held his shield out, and his blade. Elither strapped his bow back to his leg, and withdrew his own blade from its sheath. He crouched down, waiting to either counter, or evade his opponent's next attack. His elf ears picked up the loud stomping noise by his opponent. Then his opponent started to march toward him.

"Heh" Elither grunted, Skirting away from the heavier knight to the right. He wouldn't allow himself close enough to get pummeled by the blade or shield.

Drayco kept the man backing up. He was headed for his broadsword. It wasn't more then a few feet away. He could get it in hand and use it anew. He shifted first though. He slipped back in front of the elf. He wasn't going to let him get to his right or left. He would make sure that the only thing the man could attack was his shield. The normal arrows weren't doing much more then denting the metal of the shield. He knew that tamer was a strong opponent, but something in his gut told him he was stronger. He kept his sword leveled, hastening his march. He would get in closer, at least two feet was acceptable.

The knight was starting to feel the pain from the many minor wounds in his back. His shoulder was still bleeding, and it had soaked into his cloak. My cloak...that's it! Drayco gave a smirk. He shifted in his cloak, moving it to fully conceal him. The dim light of the street and the fog made his cloak near perfect for hiding. It was dark blue. All he had to do was get the elf to lose sight of him for an instant. He knew the plan would fail. He crouched down, sheathing his Gladius and picking up his broadsword. He would be ready for attack. And he'd kept himself close enough to Elither that an arrow could easily bounce of his shield and strike the archer.

"This shall be interesting..." he chuckled and leveled his blade forward, resting it against the shield. He came forward, slow and ready. When he was less then a foot away, his shield protectively in front of him he slashed down, swift low. The arc was perfect for a close fight. He was intrigued though, to see how the elf would avoid this one.

Even though the dim light kept Elither from barely being able to see the knight, it didn't help the knight by glimmering off the steel of the Broadsword, when he picked it up. Elither let the Knight advance upon him, as he stopped, and stood his ground. When Drayco was only a foot away, he sent the large broadsword down toward Elither in a slash. Elither brought his own blade up to parry Drayco's away, using both arms for the strength. Since Drayco was only using one arm to wield the weapon, the parry would throw him off balance from the weight of his own blade. Elither quickly dropped down onto his rear end, as he used his own right leg into a swift kick at the Knight's ankles, hoping to sweep him off his feet. The shield was up too high to block the sweeping kick. But in doing so, blood seeped from Elither's mouth from the internal damage.

Drayco allowed himself to fall. He went forward, shield facing Elither. He had underestimated the elf's physical strength with the blow from his sword. Next time hew knew he would have to swing harder. He didn't mind going to the ground. When he landed it was in a crouch. He quickly moved his blade and faced it to the elf's neck. He elf was bleeding from his mouth and was looking weaker by the moment. Drayco knew a quick jab could send the blade through Elither's neck, and thus finished the battle. But he didn't see that as fit. "Submit and be spared..." he said with a cold tone. He could see very little way the elf could escape without any more arm coming to him. Drayco also had the blade close enough to the elf's neck that a movement right or left woudl just prompt him to stab. They were both against the ground and dropping down further would bring little more then a new position in which to die.

Drayco waited. The moments were tense. Would the elf concede, or would he fight on?

Elither wiped his mouth off, listening to the taunting of his opponent. He smirked lightly, knowing that his opponent had under-estimated his speed. Elither quickly rolled backwards, at the same time bringing his own blade up to knock Drayco's away. His sword held off Drayco's, as he rolled backwards onto his feet, and out of harms way for now. Even though he had internal injuries, bruised ribs, and some cuts, he wasn't out of the battle yet. He gasped for air for a moment, before looking back to Drayco. "I don't give." He said, pulling the hood from his head.

Drayco was ready for a backroll from the elf. Which prompted him to lunge forward, jamming the blade downwards. He was aiming for the elf's leg and midsection in a downward stabbed. He knew the chances of him missing were slim, but the elf had found his way out of tougher situations. He admired the spirit of Elither. He was a strong opponent and was good with a blade. All Drayco knew he had to do was stay in close enough that an arrow would be suicide.

His blade came down quickly, longing for flesh. Drayco could almost feel the success of the strike. But he knew not to get cocky with one strike. Using his shield as a weapon, he brough the edge towards the tamers chest. He smirked to himself as the blade and the slab went for the elf. This should be good... Drayco's smirk widened and could be seen by outside sources.

Elither watched the blade and the shield come down in the roll, and started to think fast. It'd take out most of my leg use... The shield… He'll be practically dropping his defense when he hits me with it… I got to think fast… What to do... The broadsword managed to rip through the side of his calf, tearing muscles apart. As the blade hit the ground, it had lodged itself quite a few inches inside during the lunge. The shield had hit him as well, pinning him to the ground. But Drayco had left himself quite defenseless during the Lunge. Elither had taken a thrust inwards, around the shield at the side of Drayco, right under his arm, on the side that didn't have the Broadsword. Drayco would have practically thrown himself onto the blade. He may be fast, but he dropped his defense once he had hit Elither with both Blade, and Shield.

Drayco felt the blade hit his arm. It was a nasty feeling that he'd grown accustomed to. As the tip of the blade hit him, he let go of his broadsword and pulled his arm up. His arm was in massive amounts of pain. It wasn't threatening, but it would be hard to fight with. He had to make a choice. A charged attack with a full charge, or healing. The choice clear to the knight.

He hefted up his shield to defend and began to hum a soft sound. It was mixed and mingled with words and thoughts. His body felt suddenly drained and he felt tired. He could fight while weakened, but not weakened and bloodied. His wound began to close up. it didn't fully close, and he could still feel the blood on his arm. The wound had closed enough that his arm was now no longer screaming in pain, but throbbing with dull ache.

"Let's finish this like men." Drayco dropped the shield and dropped his Gladius. He made sure both were in quick reach. He smirked. We knights have tricks up our sleeves...He gave a little glare at the man and swung with a left hook.

The blade had somehow hit Drayco's arm, instead of piercing into the side of his chest, and into his ribcage. As Elither pulled the blade out, the knight started healing, and healed his arm quickly. A look of great irritation came upon Elither's face, as he tried to stand up. His leg held his wait, but at great pain. Elither winced heavily, feeling blood pour down his leg, and drip onto the ground. He wouldn't be able to use his legs for an attack, he thought. As the knight said "Lets settle this like men." He dropped his sword and shield, and swung a left hook at Elither. One thing Drayco had forgotten... Elither wasn't a man, he was an elf He brought the sharp side of his Flash Blade up to block the hook, and it did so, ripping into the flesh from the force of Drayco's own arm. Elither quickly pulled the blade from the now damaged hand of Drayco's, and thrust the blade out at his chest, hoping to impale the heart.

Drayco was quick with his hands. Even though his left was injured, he was right side dominant. He pinned the blade between his hands, keeping his hands on the flats. He brought his knee into Elithers injured leg. With a quick pull he wretched the blade free from the elf's grasp. He flung it away in the same movement. His leg smashed into Elithers at the same moment the elf lost his blade. The elf was now injured and unarmed. Drayco didn't take more then a moment after disarming the man before attacking again.

He brought his elbow down, aiming it for the elf's neck. Drayco had sustained damage. His left arm would be worth little more then taking blows. But he'd kept all vital areas of his body protected. Drayco was physically stronger then the elf. He also was taught to fight past pain. His arm came down fast, towards the elf’s neck. He was prepared to miss, and ready for a hit. Either way, the knight was far from finished.

Elither felt the blade being pulled from his grasp. He let it go, after the knight had tugged onto it, and felt the pain sear into his injured leg as the knight had hit it. Even though the knight hadn't managed to hit the spot where the cut was, it still was very painful to the elf. Elither watched as the knight threw an elbow at his neck. Elither quickly ducked down, avoiding the elbow, and pulled the Bow from the strap that was tied to it, which the Knight had forgotten about. He quickly pulled two arrows out, and notched them up, and pressed them against the Knight's chest, pulling the string tight, while his arm was still up. The Knight had been so close, that Elither was able to get the arrows almost against his chest very easily. He left a few inches of space, to let the arrows get the velocity they needed to pierce through any armor, and bone that would stop them from going in. He smirked, knowing that the Knight had no-where to go now, the attack was too close. "Good bye, Knight." With that, he let the arrows fly, straight toward the Knight's chest. Elither knew the knight was fast, but he doubted the knight would be able to dodge the arrows.

Drayco had seen the arrows and had gotten ready. His hands came up, just a moment before the elf let go of string. His hands caught both arrows an instant later. One had already punched through his armor and a slight ways into his chest. The other was caught just a moment before it hit. The time ticked away as Drayco gave the elf a sadistic grin. He took a step forward and drove the arrow into the elf’s stomach, pushing it upwards and under the rib cage. He left it there. Letting go of it. The elf was smart, but he had also tried to hard. "Never go for an arrow at point blank range. It's very deadly." He winced and dropped to the ground. His felt blood coming from his chest and the pain in his body had suddenly tripled. He couldn't move without feeling the pain. He knew well enough that the battle was over and he wasn't sure if he'd won. He’d closed his eyes and lay against the ground. "Never...ever try to fight your better..." he choked before passing out.

Elither had stepped back, as his opponent had caught the arrows in surprise. He was smirking, wondering how the heavy Knight had that quick of reflexes, that even some of the quickest elves didn't. The knight had stuck Elither with the arrow, and ripped upwards, but it was only a flesh wound, because Elither had backed away. The arrow tip of the arrow scratched against the lower rib, as the Knight started to Jabber away about not fighting as hard as you can. Elither smirked, watching the knight pass out, and fell to the ground, his leg no longer supporting any kind of movement. He was still concious, though barely. "More scars to put with the other's" Elither muttered, holding onto his leg with one hand, and using the other to hold his stomach, where the horse had kicked. He coughed a few more times, blood running down his lip, as he winced from the inhale and exhale of the large breath's he was taking, from the damaged ribs. He shook his head, and pulled the cloak off of his body. Elither would have to patch the holes in it, once more.

OOC: Nice duel...I suspect it's over.